For couples in search of a totally unique wedding experience or the option to escape it all and engage in a small intimate ceremony, Sri Lanka provides a wonderful backdrop. With stunning tropical beach villas, grand colonial mansions, quirky boutique hotels and a full spectrum of religious buildings the choice of venues is endless.

There are numerous wedding packages available through the larger tour operators but we don't believe that something as personal and important as a wedding can be organised via a package. There is nothing romantic about big hotels, buffet tables, bikini wearing onlookers, set priced extras or themed entertainment. Nor is there anything authentically Sri Lankan about these packages, which seems a shame if a couple have specifically chosen Sri Lanka as the setting for their wedding.

Instead we like to work closely with our clients on a one-to one basis, using first hand experience to create a totally unique, tailor-made event that reflects the bride and grooms character.

For more info rmation and to discuss the various options please give us a call on (0207 112 0019) or send an email

The Ceremony

The traditional Sri Lankan wedding ceremony is a beautiful exchange of vows and symbolic gifts that dates back to 300BC. It involves Kandyan dancers and drummers, the blowing of the conch shell, seven exchanges of the betel leaf to ensure that the bond, unity and love will last for 7 generations , binding of the couples index figures with a golden thread and the exchange of rings, rice, milk and water as a promise to look after one and other for life. The ceremony is accompanied by singing girls and chanted blessings.

Couples can either opt to have a full traditional ceremony or just incorporate parts of it into a more simple civil ceremony. Being a truly multi-faith country it is also possible to have Christian, Catholic and Hindu ceremonies or alternatively a simple exchange of vows at a Sri Lankan Registry Office.

The Reception

The hotels and villas we recommend are capable of catering for various numbers of guests and can provide all the usual trimmings. Most of the owners tend to be European and so have a good understanding of what couple's are looking for and thus execute such events to an exceptionally high standard.

Having said that it is always helpful if clients can provide as much info rmation as possible in the form of pictures and references as to what they would like. This is especially useful in the case of wedding cakes and floral decorations. Set menus and drinks can be discussed in detail via email as well as musicians, photographers and any extras such as fireworks, hot air balloon trips, vintage car hire and elephant rides.

Legal Requirements

The following legal requirements and formalities apply to all marriages in Sri Lanka .

1) The couple to be married must be 18 years of age and over on the day of performance of the ceremony of marriage. The minimum age is 18, as in most western countries.

2) Documentation for wedding and marriage ceremony must be sent to the hotel at least 4 weeks prior to the wedding day and includes:

• Photocopy of birth certificate - original to be presented prior to the wedding day
• Photocopy of valid passport - original to be presented prior to the wedding day
• Details of the names, addresses and occupations of the couple to be married
• Details of parents' names, occupations and addresses of the wedding couple
• An affidavit confirming marital status of bride and groom prior to the wedding
• If either party to the marriage is divorced, a Decree Absolute proving the lawful termination of the previous marriage must be presented prior to the wedding ceremony
• If widowed, Death Certificate of former spouse of the previous marriage
• If names have been changed prior to the wedding, legal proof of change of name

3) The couple must arrive with all the original documentation 5 days prior to the wedding.